Installing and Running Scripts in Adobe Illustrator

Unlock the full potential of Adobe Illustrator by integrating scripts into your design process. This guide walks you through preparing, installing, and executing scripts, enabling you to automate repetitive tasks and enhance your creative workflow.

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Requirements for Using Adobe Illustrator Scripts

ⓘ Adobe Illustrator scripts are usually run smoothly, but for more complex scripts, having a well-equipped computer can help everything run more efficiently.

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➊ Preparing the Script

File Format: Ensure the script file is in .jsx, or .js format, as these are the formats supported by Adobe Illustrator.

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New_Script.jsx

➋ Locating the Scripts Folder

To install a .jsx script in Adobe Illustrator, you need to place it in the correct directory where Illustrator
can recognize it. Follow these steps to locate the Scripts folder:

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• MacOS:
  Open Finder and navigate to:
  Applications/Adobe Illustrator <Version>/Presets/<Language>/Scripts/
  
  
• Windows:
  Open File Explorer and navigate to:
  C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Illustrator <Version>\Presets\<Language>\Scripts\
  
  
• Replace <Version> with your Illustrator version (e.g., 2025).
  
  
• Replace <Language> with your language folder (e.g., "de_DE" for German, "en_US" for English).
  

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⚠︎ Note: If Illustrator is installed elsewhere, adjust the path accordingly.

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➌ Installing the Script

1. Copy the Script File: Copy the .jsx file to the Scripts folder located in the path above.
   
2. Restart Illustrator: To refresh the scripts menu, close and reopen Adobe Illustrator.

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⚠︎ Note: On some systems, you may need administrator permissions to modify the Scripts folder.

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➍ Running the Script in Illustrator

Open Adobe Illustrator and ensure a document is active. Select one of the described methods to execute the script:

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🅰 Using the Scripts Menu

1. Go to the top menu bar and select File > Scripts.
2. If the script is installed in the Scripts folder, it will appear in the dropdown list.
3. Click the script name to run it.
4. Alternatively, select File > Scripts > Other Script… to browse and run a script located anywhere on your computer.
5. The script will execute, and any dialog boxes or results will appear based on the script’s functionality.

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File > Scripts > New_Script

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🅱 Dragging and Dropping

This is a quick and easy method that doesn’t require installing the script in Illustrator’s Scripts folder.

1. While Adobe Illustrator is open, locate the .jsx script file on your computer.
2. Drag and drop the .jsx file directly onto the active Illustrator document.
3. The script will execute immediately. If the script includes a UI, it will display any dialog boxes.

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🅲 Using Third-Party Script Launchers

Third-party script launchers streamline the process of managing and running scripts, offering additional flexibility and organization. Some popular options include:

• SPAi Scripts Panel (MacOS)
• Scripshon Trees  (MacOS, Windows)
• JSX Launcher  (MacOS, Windows)

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Third-Party Script Launchers

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⚠︎ Before running any scripts, it’s strongly advised to save your work — especially when working with complex or large documents.

In the event that Adobe Illustrator freezes or encounters an error during script execution, having a saved version will prevent any loss of progress and protect your creative efforts.

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☻ Congratulations!

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You’re now equipped with all the knowledge to install and run Illustrator scripts seamlessly.

By automating repetitive tasks, you can save time and focus on unleashing your creativity. Explore our website for an extensive collection of additional scripts to further enhance your creative process!

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